A Glamour Cage

Jessica stood in front of the full length mirror, stunned.

The dress clung to her body like it had been poured on deep emerald silk, off shoulder, with a slit that ran up her thigh and made her feel like someone else entirely. Her hair was pinned into soft curls, a gold comb glittering above her ear. Diamond earrings real ones, she was told sparkled under the chandelier light.

She hardly recognized herself.

"You look like a dream", said Lorenzo, the stylist, with

with a proud grin. "A billionaire's dream, to be

exact ".

Jessica smiled politely but said nothing. The truth was, she felt like a fraud wrapped in satin. Juliet appeared behind her, flipping through a clipboard.

"You'll arrive at exactly 7:10. You and Mr. Blackwood

will enter together, greet the board, then do a

short toast. No interviews tonight, but photos are

expected. Stick to short answers it anyone speaks

to you".

Jessica blinked. "A toast? What toast?"

"A simple line or two. Mr. Blackwood will start it.

Just smile and say something gracious".

"Gracious", she repeated flatly.

"Fake it, darling ", Lorenzo said,

tightening a bracelet on her wrist

"That's what all wives do eventually".

Jessica's stomach twisted.

By 6:46 pm , she was seated in the back of the black luxury car next to Romeo, who looked unfairly perfect in a classic black tux.

He hadn't said a word since she got in.

Jessica tried not to stare, but it was hard. He looked like he belonged on a magazine cover sharp jaw, cold eyes, the weight of power sitting easily on his shoulder.

"You're quite ", She finally said.

" So are you ".

"I'm trying to figure out who I'm supposed to be

tonight".

"My wife", he said simply.

"Your pretend wife".

He turned his head and met her eyes.

"Pretend or not, tonight you're mine. All eyes will be

on us. Don't slip".

The way he said it made her spine straighten. Not out of fear-out of pressure.

When they arrived, the flash of cameras was immediate. Security held the press back as Romeo stepped out first, then turned to after her his hand.

Jessica took it.

His fingers wrapped around hers firm, cold, steady. He didn't look at her, but his grip tols her everything. Hold the illusion. No room for mistakes.

They walked up the carpeted steps, every light flashing in their faces. Jessica smiled the way juliet had taught her soft, elegant, effortless.

Inside the ballroom, it was even more overwhelming:

marble floors, gold chandeliers, clinking glasses, and hundreds of eyes watching their every move.

Romeo led her straight to a raised platform where a few board members waited. He greeted them nods, handshakes, businesses smiles. Jessica followed his lead, keeping her voice calm and her posture perfect.

"Your wife is stunning ". One of the investors said,

clearly impressed .

Romeo glanced at her briefly.

"She is "

No warmth. Just fact.

But Jessica smiled anyway.

The emcee trapped his glass.

"Ladies and gentlemen, our host, Mr Romeo

Blackwood, has a few words".

Romeo stepped forward, taking the mic.

"Tonight isn't just about charity",he said smoothly,

"It's about strength partnership. Building something powerful, together".

He paused, turning slightly toward her.

"And i believe strong partnerships begin at home.

So allow me to introduce my wife, Jessica".

Polite applause.

Jessica stepped forward, heart pounding.

Smile. Say something gracious.

"Im honoured to be part of this evening".

She said, voice soft and clear. "And even

more honoured to be by his side whenever

this path may take us".

More applause.

Romeo nodded approvingly as she stepped back.

One lie down. A thousand more to go.

And hour later, Jessica stood near the bar , sipping champagne she didn't want. Romeo had dissapeared into a circle of investors.

So this what it's like to be seen , admired, and still feel invisible.

"No bad for your night", a voice said beside her.

She turned to see Juliet, holding a glass of wine.

"You handled the toast well. They all bought it".

Jessica let out a quiet breath. "I guess I'm leaving".

Juliet looked at her for a moment, then asked, "Do you ever wonder why he chose you?"

Jessica blinked. "What do you mean?"

"He couldn't picked any socialite, and heiress....

but he didn't. He picked you a woman no one

expected."

Jessica's throat tightened. Maybe i was just convenient".

Juliet gave a mysterious smile. "Or maybe....you were exactly what he needed".

Before Jessica could respond, Romeo appeared beside her again.

"Time to go".

She followed him out, her mind spinning.

In the car, silence streched between them once again.

Finally,Jessica asked, "Did i do okay?"

Romeo didn't answer right away. Then he said, quietly,

"You didn't embrass me. That's a good start".

She looked out the window, hiding the sting in her eyes.

A good start. That's all I"ll ever be to him.